50 Years of Metiness

by Jim Baker

(presented September 20, 2012)

After the Giants and Dodgers bolted for the West Coast, the concept of the Mets was created for a new league that never came into being. What was the name of that league? (3 pts)

the Continental League

3.

In 1965, the Mets' first manager, Casey Stengel, broke his hip and retired. He was replaced by this former New York Giants catcher. (2 pts)

Was it Alvin Dark, Wes Westrum, Bill Rigney, or Walker Cooper?

Wes Westrum

4.

On September 11, 1966, a fresh-faced, 12th round selection in the very first amateur draft (held the year before) made his major league debut with the Mets with two innings of relief against the Braves. Who is he? (2pts)

Nolan Ryan

5.

How many division titles have the Mets won?

How many National League pennants?

How many World Championships? (2 pts each)

5 division titles.

4 NL pennants

2 Worlds Championships

6.

The Mets have never been known for their sluggers. Who holds the all-time team record for home runs with 252? (2pts)

Was it David Wright, Dave Kingman, Darryl Strawberry, Howard Johnson, or Mike Piazza?

Darryl Strawberry

7.

No pitcher has won 200 games in a Mets uniform and only three have won as many as 100. Which of the following is NOT one of those three? (2pts)

Jerry Koosman, David Cone, Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden.

David Cone

8.

The Mets are hosting the All-Star Game in 2013. When is the last time they were its host? (2pts)

Was it 1962, 1964, 1978, or "never hosted"?

1964, coincident with the World's Fair in NY and the inaugural season of Shea Stadium.

9.

Who pitched the only no-hitter in Mets history? (1 pt)

Johan Santana

10.

Since their catastrophic first years in which they lost 100 games five times in six seasons, how many time(s) have the Mets reached the century mark in losses? (2pts)

Is it - four, three, one, zero ?

one

11.

Aside from the aforementioned Casey Stengel, three other Mets managers have also managed the hated crosstown Yankees. Name them (2 pts each)

Joe Torre, Yogi Berra, and Dallas Green

12.

This man is on the verge of losing his place as the all-time Mets hit leader to David Wright. Who is he? (1 pt)